Ardboe’s first home fixture this year was played in a sunny Ballinderry where a great first half and last quater performance saw the Rossas defeat Errigal Ciaran 1-15 to 0-12 with both teams been reduced to 14 men.
A great first half performance saw the Rossas dominate the scoring although the Ballygawley side were without the service of Peter Canavan. Frank McGuigan making his first start for a number of weeks got the first three points two from free kicks and one with the fist. Errigal soon got on the board with two scores bringing Ardboe’s good start and early lead down to one point. Shortly after Nishy O’Neill found the net with a low shot into the bottom left hand corner beginning a period of scoring for Ardboe. John McConville hit a wonderful long range score from the outside of the boot that was followed by a free kick from Nishy O’Neill. John Cummings got his first score as the final quarter entered its last minutes. With half an hour gone John McConville added his second point but Errigal picked off another score. From the break in mid field Tommy McGuigan hit his first score followed by his brother Frank with his fourth point of the day. Errigal did manage to sneak two later points in before half time leaving 7 points between them at the break. Half Time Ardboe 1-9 E.C 0-5.
In the second half Errigal Ciaran came back into the match scoring the first point from a free kick and in return after a foul on John Cummings, Frank McGuigan slotted over a free kick. Coming back into the match and also the score board, Errigal hit three points on the trot. In the 18th minute Frank McGuigan got another free kick. Again Errigal responded reducing the Rossas lead to three points. A great catch and lay off from John McConville gave Kieran Devlin the space to hit his first point. As the match approached the final quarter. A few off the ball incidents followed with both teams been reduced to 14 men with Ardboe losing full back Micey Coleman and Errigal losing Owen Gormley. After the long delay due to injuries Ardboe got on the ball again, a chance of goal for Nishy O’Neill was deflected but got his point as the ball came back to him. Frank McGuigan hit a final point to make sure the two points stayed with Ardboe and a six point win. Final Score Ardboe 1-15 E.C 0-12. Team and Scores; R. McElroy (Replaced by G. Mallaghan), P. Coney, M. Coleman, G. Mooney, K.Devlin(0-1), S. Forbes, R.McGurk, F. Devlin, J.McConville(0-2), T.McGuigan(0-1), N.O’Neill(1-3), J. Cummings(0-1), C. Campbell, F. McGuigan(0-7) and E.Martin. The Reserves prior to the seniors were defeated by two points and were also reduced to 13 men.
